“To Be Free” a poem

By Jamyla Johnson 

2021 High School Graduate and Edgewater Congregations Together Youth Group Member

Written for and read at the Edgewater Congregations Together Juneteenth Celebration

What does it mean to be free?

In retrospect some people may say to be free is not being controlled by the…

To be able to do whatever and be whoever we please

My brothers, sisters and non-binary family 

Have gone through so much throughout all these centuries

Whether if it was being targeted by our race

Being unjustified by our traits 

Or even by the wonderful presences of our grace 

Ages ago we had to climb, run, and walk all across this world 

Losing many of our families along the road

Skin bruised with marks and bodies naked to the bone

Yes, I said naked but never not alone 

Though sometimes we didn’t feel it 

Whereas a look into the eye is only what was needed to call for help 

I can admit they were fighters and survivors

But so are we, no questions denied 

We fought for freedom as MLK Jr. fought for our rights 

And though we still may have occurring issues, we will continue fighting with all our might

Black is strong

Black is brave

Black is beautiful

And as we know black can sometimes also be gray 

So again: you ask me, what does it mean to be free?

To be free is to never let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. You are the key to freedom. Don’t be scared to break the rules a little because this world needs change. 

Love who you want to love. Be whatever your heart desires. That is what it means to be free. 

E.C.T Youth Group’s Junteenth 2021